License Plate Pop Art

Michael Kalish

Michael Kalish spent a decade as a struggling artist, but now his work, which uses license plates to depict pop culture icons, can sell for $5,000 to $150,000. This is his portrait of actress Audrey Hepburn.

Michael Kalish

Michael Kalish says using license plates is "so Americana. It's so iconic. It's the thumbprint of the automobile. Every one is individual, and they're so unique." This is his version of Superman's newspaper, "The Daily Planet."

Michael Kalish

Sometimes Michael Kalish, who lives in California, opts for simpler subjects such as this flower vase.

Michael Kalish

Michael Kalish actually has another passion: baseball. He even tried out for the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees. But he continued to make art on the side. This is his portrait of actor Gregory Peck.

Michael Kalish

Michael Kalish says he doesn't want to wait around for life to happen to him. His motto is "get out of line." This is his portrait of Greta Garbo.

Some of his fans call Michael Kalish the next Andy Warhol because of the way he is able to capture icons like Ray Charles, shown here.

Michael Kalish

Even though he is colorblind, Michael Kalish is able to create eye-popping works like this portrait of musician Roy Orbison.

Michael Kalish

Michael Kalish said that he feels like he has created a medium with his use of license plates. This is his portrait of Spider-Man.

Michael Kalish

Michael Kalish shows off his piece called "Toast."

Michael Kalish

With his portrait of artist Vincent van Gogh, Michael Kalish pays homage to a legend from yesteryear who himself made iconic images.